Road Traffic LawRegulatoryInquestsProfessional DisciplineLicensingSerious CrimeBusiness Crime & Financial RegulationPrison Law
"Richard is one of the best in the business on his feet in front of a jury. His experience really tells in the cross-examination of witnesses and he thinks outside the box when it comes to defending cases, always adding something different that others had not considered."- Legal 500, 2025
“Richard Dawson is especially skilled in transport law.”- Legal 500, 2025
“Richard is excellent at putting clients at ease and providing sound advice in a way which can be easily understood. He is strategic, intelligent, and leaves no stone unturned, and his approachable and likeable manner makes for an engaging trial advocate who juries can really get on board with” - Legal 500, 2025
"Richard is an incredibly hard working barrister. His drafting of legal arguments and written submissions is particularly impressive, and in relation to advocacy, he is a confident, persuasive, and seriously impressive court room presence." Recommended in Legal 500 2024 - Crime (General and Fraud)
"Richard’s regulatory specialism focusses on transport law and it is an area where he is developing a national reputation as being a leading expert. He regularly appears before the Traffic Commissioner where he represents haulage companies, transport managers, and drivers, and his success rate is outstanding." Recommended in Legal 500 2024 - Business and Regulatory Crime (Inc H&S)
"Richard is a fantastic advocate. On his feet in a trial is as strong as many counsel a great deal more senior. What really makes him stand out is the ability to get to grips with and apply technical and complex expert evidence, such as collision reconstruction, medical, tachographs data etc. This enables him to challenge prosecution experts and present defence evidence in a fluent and concise way, which translates to the jury and bench." - Legal 500, 2023
Richard "has an impressive practice and has been active in multiple injury and death by dangerous driving cases." - Legal 500, 2023
"Richard is an extremely experienced barrister who has a keen eye for the detail. He works very well under pressure and engages with the jury in a way I’ve not seen with any other barrister." - The Legal 500, 2022
"The jury sit up and listen when he is on his feet and his likeable, understandable approach means all can follow the issues he raises" - The Legal 500, 2022
“His diligence, preparation and communication help put clients at ease” The Legal 500, 2021
“…the set houses practitioners with more niche specialisms, such as Richard Dawson who handles some of the most serious and legally complex motoring cases.” - The Legal 500, 2020
“Clients trust his advice.” - The Legal 500, 2019
“An intelligent and subtle cross-examiner.” - The Legal 500, 2018
“The Legal 500: Crime - Leading Junior - Ranked: Tier 1
OVERVIEW
Richard Dawson is an expert trial lawyer, specialising in road traffic law, regulatory and professional discipline matters, and serious crime.
Richard has a nation-wide client base and undertakes work throughout the UK.
Having developed a strong reputation for hard work, immaculate preparation and clear fact management in complex cases, Richard is highly regarded by all those who instruct him.
A road traffic specialist with more than 15 years of experience representing those accused with driving offences, Richard particularly deals with offences arising from serious road accidents. His wealth of knowledge and skill in this highly specialised area is best demonstrated by his track record of successfully defending drivers charged with causing death and/or catastrophic injury.
Richard is regularly instructed in professional discipline matters and frequently appears before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
With a background in regulatory matters, Richard receives consistent instruction in cases commenced by the General Medical Council; Trading Standards; the Health and Safety Executive; the Environment Agency; and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (formerly VOSA).
His work includes being routinely instructed in cases arising out of and/or in connection to an inquest before a Coroner, touching on the death. Such instructions are typically in the context of regulatory and road traffic work.
Richard continues to be instructed in licensing cases, advising on matters for which a licence is required and representing applicants, local authorities and interested parties, at all levels, though committee to Court.
Additionally, Richard represents those charged with the most serious crimes, including murder; serious assaults; serious road accidents, resulting in death or catastrophic injury; rape; sexual offences; drugs matters; fraud and financial offences.
Richard is frequently asked to represent private client individuals. He has successfully represented professionals in a variety of committee, tribunal and Court forums, including solicitors, accountants, medical professionals, professional sports personalities and high-net-worth individuals, and is licensed to provide legal advice and representation directly to members of the public.
Called 2001; tenant Lincoln House Chambers 2010 to date.
Criminal Bar Association Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers Fraud Lawyers Association Northern Circuit Middle Temple
The Crossley Heath School, Halifax University of Sheffield (BSc Hons Environmental Geology) Manchester Metropolitan University (PgDip Law) Manchester Metropolitan University (PgDip Legal Practice at the Bar).